WO2024085060A1

WO2024085060A1 - Seat and assembly method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2024085060A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/037010
Authority: WO
Inventors: 尚樹光岡; 由希規杉浦; 健一塚本; 高志坂口; 晃尚宮田
Original assignee: トヨタ紡織株式会社
Priority date: 2022-10-18
Filing date: 2023-10-12
Publication date: 2024-04-25
Also published as: JP2024059200A

Abstract

A cushion body (20) of a seat is divided into three parts constituted of a top plate main part (21) and top plate sides (22). Each top plate side (22) has a top plate side resin member (22C) provided on a pad rear side thereof. A fastening bracket (Ab) extends out from each tilt arm (12A) of a cushion frame (10). The top plate side resin member (22C) is superimposed on the fastening bracket (Ab), and is fastened by an insertion-type fastening structure (T). Each insertion-type fastening structure (T) has a head (T1h) of a bolt (T1) that engages a fastening tool (D). The head (T1h) is exposed to an opening (SP), which is an installation space for the top plate main part (21).

Description

Seat and assembly method thereof

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a seat and an assembly method thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a seat having a cushion body that elastically supports a seated person and a seat frame that supports the cushion body from the rear side of the seat, and an assembly method thereof.

JP 2020-33005 A discloses a vehicle seat in which a cushion body consisting of a seat pad and a seat cover is divided into three parts in the seat width direction. Specifically, the cushion body is divided into three parts: a main top plate that forms the center part in the seat width direction, and each of the side top plates that form both sides in the seat width direction. The main top plate and each of the side top plates are individually assembled and fixed to the seat frame.

In the configuration described in JP 2020-33005 A, the main top plate and each side top plate are each fixed to the seat frame by bolt fastening. More specifically, after each side top plate is assembled to the seat frame, the main top plate is set in the seat frame. The main top plate is fixed to the seat frame by nuts tightened from the back side of the seat. The seat is mounted on the vehicle. If it is desired to remove the main top plate or each side top plate from the seat frame, it is necessary to remove the seat from the vehicle once. In this state, the main top plate and each side top plate are released from the back side of the seat from the seat frame. For this reason, there has traditionally been a demand for a seat that allows the cushion body to be easily attached and detached from the seat frame.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a seat having a cushion body that elastically supports a seated occupant and a seat frame that supports the cushion body from the back side of the seat. The cushion body is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate that forms the center part in the seat width direction, and each side top plate that forms both side parts in the seat width direction. Each side top plate has a top plate side pad that becomes a cushion part, and a support member. The support member is disposed on the back side of the top plate side pad and fixed to the seat frame. The seat frame has each side frame that supports each side top plate from the back side of the seat, and each frame fastening part. The support member is overlapped with the frame fastening part, and the support member is fastened to the frame fastening part via a plug-in type fastening structure. The main top plate is removably attached to the seat frame by snap-fit engagement. In a top plate main removal state in which the main top plate is removed from the seat frame, an opening is generated that is an installation space for the main top plate. The tool engagement portion of the plug-in fastening structure is exposed in the opening. The tool engagement portion is engaged with a fastening tool during fastening operations.

As described above, the main top plate is snap-fitted into the seat frame. Therefore, the main top plate can be removed from the seat frame relatively easily. When the main top plate is removed from the seat frame, an opening is created, which is the installation space for the main top plate. The tool engagement portion of the plug-in fastening structure is exposed in the opening. Therefore, each side top plate can be attached and detached to and from each side frame, using this opening as a workspace. For example, each side top plate can be easily attached and detached without removing the seat from the object on which it is to be installed, such as the floor surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the frame fastening portions extends from the corresponding side frame diagonally toward the rear inward in the seat width direction. Each of the frame fastening portions has an overlapping surface on which the support member is overlapped. The perpendicular direction of the overlapping surface faces the opening.

There is a configuration in which a support spring that supports the cushion body is provided between the seat frames. With this configuration, it is difficult to drop the fastening tool between the seat frames. Even with this configuration, the above configuration allows each top panel side to be easily attached and detached.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an engagement hole is formed in the side frame. The support member further has an engagement claw that is inserted into the engagement hole and slid to hook onto the side frame. With the engagement claw hooked onto the side frame, the support member is fastened to each of the frame fastening portions by each of the plug-in fastening structures.

As described above, the tabletop sides are attached to the side frames by hooking them with the sliding engagement claws and fastening them with a plug-in fastening structure. Compared to a configuration in which the tabletop sides are attached by a snap fit that involves elastic deformation, each tabletop side can be attached to each side frame easily and with appropriate assembly strength. Each tabletop side can also be easily removed from each side frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tool engagement portion has a bolt head. The head is disposed on the side of each of the plug-in fastening structures that is closest to the opening.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the shaft of the bolt does not face the opening. Therefore, the bolt attached to the cushion body is unlikely to be felt as a foreign object.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the top plate main has an engaging claw portion. The engaging claw portion is detachably snap-fitted into the base portion by being pushed in from the seat front side. The base portion is provided so as to be integral with the seat frame. The top plate main is abutted against the seat frame from the seat front side, and the engaging claw portion is engaged with the base portion.

As a result, the main tabletop can be easily attached and detached from the seat frame.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for assembling a seat. Each of the support members on each of the top panel sides is overlapped with each of the corresponding frame fastening parts. Each of the support members is assembled to the seat frame by fastening each of the plug-in fastening structures (top panel side assembly process). The main top panel is assembled to the seat frame (top panel main assembly process).

As mentioned above, the top side assembly process is carried out before the top main assembly process. Therefore, the opening, which is the installation space for the main top, can be used as a workspace. Using the opening, each top side can be easily assembled to the seat frame.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a seat according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cushion body removed from the cushion frame. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part IX in FIG. 8 . XX line cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. 11 is a perspective view showing a state before one of the top panel sides is attached to the side frame. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which one side of the table top is attached to a side frame. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12.

Below, a form for implementing one embodiment of this disclosure is described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
(Schematic configuration of seat 1)
The configuration of a seat 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In the following description, each direction, such as front, back, up, down, left and right, is indicated in each figure. When a direction is indicated with "seat" attached, such as the "seat width direction," it refers to a direction based on the orientation of the seat 1, which will be described later. In the following description, when no specific reference figure is indicated or when no reference figure has a corresponding reference symbol, any of Figures 1 to 13 will be referred to as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a single-seat right-side seat that is installed on the floor of an automobile. The seat 1 includes a seat back 2 that forms the backrest for the seated person, a seat cushion 3 that forms the seating area, and a headrest 4 that forms the headrest.

As shown in Figure 2, the seat cushion 3 is equipped with a tilt mechanism M that can adjust the seating angle at the front of the seat. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the seat cushion 3 has a metal cushion frame 10 that forms its framework, and a cushion body 20. The cushion body 20 is attached to the upper part of the cushion frame 10 and elastically supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated person. The cushion frame 10 corresponds to one of the "seat frames."

As shown in FIG. 4, the cushion body 20 is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate 21 that forms the center portion in the seat width direction, and each side top plate 22 that forms both side portions in the seat width direction. The main top plate 21 supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant from below. The main top plate 21 has a generally flat surface shape that faces upward in the seat. The top surface of the main top plate 21, which forms the surface facing the seat, is slightly raised in the front.

As shown in FIG. 1, each tabletop side 22 supports the buttocks and thighs of a seated occupant from a downward, outward angle. Each tabletop side 22 has an upper surface that forms the seat's front surface. The upper surface rises diagonally outward in the seat width direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main top plate 21 and each side top plate 22 are configured to be individually assembled to the cushion frame 10 by accessing only from above. This allows the main top plate 21 and each side top plate 22 to be easily attached and detached to the cushion frame 10 without removing the seat 1 from its installed state on the floor.

(Configuration of seat cushion 3)
The specific configuration of each part of the seat cushion 3 will be described below. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cushion frame 10 has left and right lower arms 11 that extend in the front-rear direction along both left and right sides of the seat cushion 3. The cushion frame 10 also has a tilt panel 12 that extends in a planar shape across the front ends of the left and right lower arms 11. The cushion frame 10 also has left and right tilt arms 12A that extend from both left and right side edges of the tilt panel 12 toward the rear of the seat.

The rear end of each tilt arm 12A is rotatably connected to the middle of the corresponding lower arm 11 by a tilt rotation shaft 12B extending in the seat width direction. Each tilt arm 12A is tilted up and down around each tilt rotation shaft 12B by a drive unit (not shown) attached to the cushion frame 10.

By tilting each tilt arm 12A up and down, the tilt panel 12 moves up and down relative to each lower arm 11, changing the angle of the tilt panel 12. This adjusts the seating angle of the front part of the seat cushion 3. The above-mentioned tilt mechanism M is constituted by a mechanism that allows the angle of the tilt panel 12 to be adjusted relative to each lower arm 11.

The cushion frame 10 further has a front pipe 13 and a rear pipe 14. The front pipe 13 is a round pipe that is connected between the front portions of the lower arms 11. The front pipe 13 is located behind and below the tilt panel 12. The rear pipe 14 is a round pipe that is connected between the rear portions of the lower arms 11.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, multiple (e.g., four) support springs 15 are bridged between the front pipe 13 and the rear pipe 14. The support springs 15 are bent in a wavy shape in the front-rear and left-right directions (seat width direction). The support springs 15 elastically support the top plate main 21 of the cushion body 20 from below.

As shown in FIG. 4, each tilt arm 12A has an inverted L-shaped arm shape in cross section. The tilt arm 12A has a side plate portion that covers the inner surface of the lower arm 11, and a top plate portion that covers the upper surface of the lower arm 11. A plate-shaped fastening bracket Ab that extends diagonally downward toward the inside in the seat width direction is welded to the lower part of the side plate portion of the tilt arm 12A. Each tilt arm 12A corresponds to a "side frame" in this disclosure. Additionally, each fastening bracket Ab corresponds to a "frame fastening portion" in this disclosure.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each fastening bracket Ab is positioned behind and below the front pipe 13. More specifically, each fastening bracket Ab is positioned lower than the support spring 15. Each fastening bracket Ab has an upper surface (overlapping surface) that faces inwardly and diagonally upward. The upper surface faces the installation space of the top plate main 21. As shown in Figure 13, the fastening bracket Ab is positioned directly below the inner side of the top plate side 22. A top plate side resin member 22C is provided on the back side of the seat of the top plate side 22. As shown in Figure 11, a fastening portion C24 extends from the top plate side resin member 22C. The fastening portion C24 is fastened to the fastening bracket Ab via a fastening structure T.

As shown in FIG. 11, the top plate portion of each tilt arm 12A is formed with a daruma-shaped engagement hole Ah extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Engagement claws C22 formed on the corresponding top plate side 22 engage with these engagement holes Ah. Specifically, the engagement claws C22 are formed on a top plate side resin member 22C provided on the back side of the seat of each top plate side 22. The engagement claws C22 are inserted into the engagement holes Ah from above and slid toward the rear of the seat, whereby the engagement claws C22 hook onto the periphery of the engagement holes Ah. Each top plate side resin member 22C corresponds to a "support member" in this disclosure.

(Configuration of the top plate main 21)
4 and 6 to 8, the table top main 21 has a table top main pad 21A that serves as a cushioning portion, a table top main cover 21B, and a table top main resin member 21C. The table top main cover 21B is made of fabric and covers the table top main pad 21A. The table top main resin member 21C is provided on the front part of the back side of the table top main pad 21A.

As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the top plate main pad 21A has a pad body A11 made of a polyurethane foam molded body, and a pad reinforcing part A12 made of a polypropylene foam bead foam molded body. For example, the pad reinforcing part A12 is molded into a U-shape in a plan view. The pad reinforcing part A12 is set in the foam molding mold for the pad body A11. This makes the pad reinforcing part A12 and the pad body A11 integrated.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pad reinforcement portion A12 is U-shaped in plan view and has left and right side edges As and a connecting edge Ac. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the side edges As extend in the front-rear direction of the seat along both left and right edges of the back side of the seat of the pad main body A11 (both edges of the back side of the pad). The connecting edge Ac extends in the seat width direction so as to connect the rear ends of the side edges As. The pad reinforcement portion A12 is harder than the pad main body A11. The pad reinforcement portion A12 is provided along the left and right edges and below the rear edge of the pad main body A11. Therefore, the pad reinforcement portion A12 does not impair the cushioning properties of the top plate main 21. The pad reinforcement portion A12 also functions to appropriately suppress lateral shaking of the top plate main 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main top plate 21 is set on the cushion frame 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the front parts of each side part As of the pad reinforcement part A12 are supported from below by the front pipe 13. The rear parts of each side part As are supported by the rear pipe 14.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting edge portion Ac of the pad reinforcement portion A12 extends along the rear pipe 14 and is supported from below by the rear pipe 14. When the weight of a seated person is applied to the top plate main 21, the front of each side edge portion As is supported by the front pipe 13, and the rear of each side edge portion As and the connecting edge portion Ac are supported by the rear pipe 14. The connecting edge portion Ac is supported from below the seat by the rear pipe 14 over a wide range in the seat width direction.

These supports allow the pad reinforcement portion A12 to appropriately suppress lateral movement of the top plate main pad 21 when the vehicle is subjected to lateral acceleration. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the pad reinforcement portion A12 is not located on or in contact with the tilt panel 12. In other words, the pad reinforcement portion A12 is not provided in the front region of the top plate main pad 21A, but is provided from the middle to the rear of the top plate main pad 21A in the seat fore-and-aft direction.

As described above, the pad reinforcing portion A12 is U-shaped in a plan view. This means that the central portion of the underside of the seat of the pad body A11 (central portion of the underside of the pad) is not reinforced by the pad reinforcing portion A12 (non-reinforced portion NR). In other words, the top plate main pad 21A has a non-reinforced portion NR in the central portion of the underside of the pad. Both edges and the rear edge of the underside of the pad of the top plate main pad 21A have the pad reinforcing portion A12. Therefore, the top plate main pad 21A appropriately suppresses lateral shaking without compromising cushioning properties.

The table top main cover 21B is placed over the table top main pad 21A from above the seat. As shown in FIG. 6, the front, rear, left and right peripheral edges of the table top main cover 21B are drawn into and fastened to the back surface of the pad, which is the back surface of the table top main pad 21A. Specifically, from the middle to the rear portion in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, where the pad reinforcing portion A12 of the table top main pad 21A is provided, the left and right terminals of the table top main cover 21B drawn into the back surface of the pad are fastened together. The rear edge terminals drawn into the back surface of the pad of the table top main cover 21B are joined to the back surface of the pad of the table top main pad 21A by hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 6, a top plate main resin member 21C that is U-shaped in plan view is provided on the back surface of the top plate main pad 21A. At the front of the top plate main pad 21A, the left, right and front terminals of the top plate main cover 21B that are drawn into the back surface of the pad are hooked onto the top plate main resin member 21C and secured. By this hooking, the top plate main cover 21B is stretched over the entire outer surface of the top plate main pad 21A. In addition, the top plate main resin member 21C is fixed in a state where it is pressed against the back surface of the pad of the top plate main pad 21A through the hooks at each terminal of the top plate main cover 21B.

The tabletop main resin member 21C is made of an injection molded product. The tabletop main resin member 21C is provided on the front back side of the pad, which is forward of the area where the pad reinforcement portion A12 of the tabletop main pad 21A is provided. Specifically, the tabletop main resin member 21C is provided in a U-shape in plan view, extending along both left and right edges and the front edge of the front back side of the pad of the tabletop main pad 21A.

Cover hook claws C11 are formed on the front and left and right edges of the tabletop main resin member 21C, which extend in a U-shape when viewed from above. The ends of the tabletop main cover 21B that are pulled into the back surface of the pad are attached to the cover hook claws C11. Engagement claw portions C12 consisting of elastic claws that protrude below the seat are attached to both left and right edges of the front edge of the tabletop main resin member 21C.

The top plate main 21 is set on the cushion frame 10 from above the seat. At this time, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, each of the mating claw portions C12 of the top plate main resin member 21C is snap-fitted into the mating portions C25 of the top plate side 22 by being pushed in from above the seat. The top plate side 22 has a top plate side resin member 22C that is attached to the tilt panel 12. The mating claw portions C12 are formed on the inner front end portion of the top plate side resin member 22C. As a result, the front end portion of the top plate main 21 is mated with the cushion frame 10 via each top plate side 22 so that it does not come off upward.

As shown in FIG. 9, the engaging claw portion C12 is configured to be easily released from the snap-fit engaged state with the engaging portion C25 of each top side 22 by an operator applying force to pull up the front end of the top main 21 from below the seat. The engaging portion C25 of each top side 22 corresponds to the "base portion" of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, the top plate main 21 is assembled to the cushion frame 10 as follows. First, the rear part of the top plate main 21 is inserted from the front of the seat so that it goes under the seat back 2 and set on the rear pipe 14. Next, using the rear part of the top plate main 21 as a fulcrum, the front part of the top plate main 21 is dropped onto the tilt panel 12.

As a result, the mating claws C12 formed on both edges of the front plate of the main resin top member 21C are snap-fitted into the mating portions C25 on the inner front end portions of the side top members 22 (see FIG. 9). In this way, the main top member 21 is removably attached to the cushion frame 10 in only two states: contact from above the seat and mating of the mating claws C12 at the front end.

(Configuration of each top plate side 22)
4, 6 and 10, each table top side 22 has a table top side pad 22A serving as a cushioning portion, a table top side cover 22B, and a table top side resin member 22C. The table top side cover 22B is made of fabric and covers the table top side pad 22A. The table top side resin member 22C is provided on the back surface of the table top side pad 22A. Each table top side 22 has a symmetrical configuration with the same basic structure.

As shown in FIG. 10, the top plate side pad 22A is made of a polyurethane foam molded body. The pad surface, which is the surface facing the seat of the top plate side pad 22A, has a bank-shaped protrusion. Specifically, the pad surface rises so as to bulge obliquely above the seat from the inside to the outside in the seat width direction. The back surface of the top plate side pad 22A is recessed along the bank-shaped protrusion of the pad surface. In other words, the back surface of the pad is formed into a concave curved surface shape with a hollowed-out back surface.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tabletop side cover 22B is placed over the tabletop side pad 22A from above the seat. The front, rear, left and right peripheral portions of the tabletop side cover 22B are pulled into and secured to the back surface of the tabletop side pad 22A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the left and right and front and rear terminals of the tabletop side cover 22B are pulled into the back surface of the tabletop side pad 22A. Each terminal of the tabletop side cover 22B is then hooked onto and secured to the tabletop side resin member 22C provided along the back surface of the tabletop side pad 22A.

As a result, the tabletop side cover 22B is stretched over the entire outer surface of the tabletop side pad 22A. Then, the tabletop side resin member 22C is fixed in a state where it is pressed against the back surface of the tabletop side pad 22A by hooking each end of the tabletop side cover 22B.

As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the tabletop side resin member 22C is a curved plate-shaped injection molded product. The tabletop side resin member 22C has a shape that matches the concave curved surface of the back surface of the tabletop side pad 22A. The tabletop side resin member 22C has a side support portion C26 that extends obliquely along the bank-shaped protruding portion of the tabletop side pad 22A. Therefore, the side support portion C26 supports the bank-shaped protruding portion of the tabletop side pad 22A in a planar manner from the back side. As a result, the tabletop side pad 22A provides appropriate side support for the body of the seated occupant.

As shown in Figures 6 and 10, cover hooking claws C21 are formed on the periphery of the tabletop side resin member 22C. Each end that is pulled into the back surface of the pad of the tabletop side cover 22B is attached to the cover hooking claws C21. As shown in Figure 6, a hook-shaped engagement claw C22 is formed in the approximate center region of the tabletop side resin member 22C. The engagement claw C22 protrudes downward from the concavely curved upper region of the tabletop side resin member 22C. When the tabletop side 22 is assembled to the cushion frame 10 (see Figure 11) from above, the engagement claw C22 is inserted from above into an engagement hole Ah formed in the tabletop portion of the tilt arm 12A.

Next, the top panel side 22 is slid backward relative to the cushion frame 10, so that the engagement claw C22 is hooked from the front into the engagement hole Ah. This hooking fixes the top panel side 22 to the tilt arm 12A so that it does not slip out above the seat.

As shown in FIG. 6, a guide portion C23 is formed on the underside of the top plate side resin member 22C. The guide portion C23 is located in the upper region of the concave curve of the top plate side resin member 22C. The guide portion C23 has an L-shaped cross section and has a horizontal portion that is approximately horizontal and a protruding portion that protrudes downward from the horizontal portion. By assembling the top plate side 22 to the cushion frame 10 (see FIG. 11) from above, the horizontal portion of the guide portion C23 abuts against the upper surface of the top plate portion of the tilt arm 12A. The protruding portion of the guide portion C23 abuts against the outer edge of the top plate portion of the tilt arm 12A. As a result, the guide portion C23 regulates the assembly position of the top plate side 22 relative to the cushion frame 10 in the seat width direction.

As shown in Figures 11 to 13, a plate-shaped fastening portion C24 is formed in the middle of the top plate side resin member 22C in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. The fastening portion C24 extends diagonally downward from the inner edge in the width direction of the top plate side resin member 22C toward the inside in the width direction. The fastening portion C24 is superimposed on the upper surface of the fastening bracket Ab by assembling the top plate side 22 to the cushion frame 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the bolt T1, which is an insert-type fastening structure T, is inserted into the fastening portion C24 and the fastening bracket Ab using a fastening tool D (impact wrench) to fasten them. As a result, the fastening portion C24 is fastened to the fastening bracket Ab.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the fastening structure T is composed of the bolt T1 and a weld nut T2 welded to the lower surface (the surface behind the upper surface) of the fastening bracket Ab. The head T1h of the bolt T1 is set in the fastening tool D as a tool engagement part. The leg of the bolt T1 is inserted into the fastening part C24 and the fastening bracket Ab overlapping it by the fastening tool D, and is fastened to the weld nut T2.

The fastening bracket Ab and the fastening part C24 overlapping it face upward toward the opening SP, which is the installation space for the top plate main 21. Therefore, when fastening the bolt T1 using the fastening tool D, the opening SP serves as a workspace, allowing easy access to the fastening point. More specifically, the fastening work can be performed by inserting only the tip of the fastening tool D at an angle into the fastening point without dropping the entire fastening tool D into the opening SP.

In this configuration, the support spring 15 is attached to the cushion frame 10 next to the fastening point. Even with this configuration, the fastening work can be performed without the fastening tool D interfering with the support spring 15. With the fastening, the head T1h (tool engagement portion) of the bolt T1 is provided with its upper surface facing the opening SP, which is the installation space for the top plate main 21. Therefore, when removing the bolt T1 from the fastened state, the fastening tool D can be inserted obliquely from the opening SP in the same manner, and the bolt T1 can be easily loosened.

(Method of Assembling the Seat Cushion 3)
Next, a method for assembling the cushion body 20 to the cushion frame 10 will be described. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, before assembling the top plate main 21 to the cushion frame 10, each top plate side 22 is assembled to the cushion frame 10 (top plate side assembling process). The method for assembling each top plate side 22 to the cushion frame 10 is as described above.

Next, the top plate main 21 is assembled to the cushion frame 10 (top plate main assembly process). By using the above procedure, the cushion body 20 consisting of three separate elements can be assembled simply and appropriately to the cushion frame 10. The procedure for removing the cushion body 20 from the cushion frame 10 is the reverse of the above procedure.

To summarise the above, the seat 1 and its assembly method according to this embodiment are configured as follows. Note that the reference characters in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat (1) has a cushion body (20) that elastically supports a seated person, and a seat frame (10) that supports the cushion body (20) from the back side of the seat. As shown in FIG. 4, the cushion body (20) is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate (21) that forms the center part in the seat width direction, and each top plate side (22) that forms both side parts in the seat width direction. Each top plate side (22) has a top plate side pad (22A) that becomes a cushion part, and a support member (22C). As shown in FIG. 13, the support member (22C) is placed on the back side of the top plate side pad (22A) and is fixed to the seat frame (10).

As shown in FIG. 13, the seat frame (10) has side frames (12A) and frame fastening portions (Ab). Each side frame (12A) supports each top panel side (22) from the back side of the seat. Each frame fastening portion (Ab) has a support member (22C) superimposed thereon, and the support member (22C) is fastened via a plug-in fastening structure (T). Each support member (22C) is integral with each side frame (12A). As shown in FIG. 4, the top panel main (21) is removably attached to the seat frame (10) by snap-fit engagement. In a top panel main removed state in which the top panel main (21) has been removed from the seat frame (10), each support member (22C) is superimposed on each frame fastening portion (Ab). As shown in FIG. 13, the tool engagement portion (T1h) that engages with the fastening tool (D) of each plug-in fastening structure (T) is exposed to the outside from an opening (SP) that is the installation space of the top plate main (21).

According to the above configuration, the top plate main (21) is snap-fitted to the seat frame (10). Therefore, the top plate main (21) can be removed from the seat frame (10) relatively easily. When the top plate main (21) is removed from the seat frame (10), the tool engagement portion (T1h) is exposed to the outside from the opening (SP), which is the installation space of the top plate main (21). Therefore, each top plate side (22) can be easily attached and detached without removing the seat (1) from the object on which it is installed. Specifically, the opening (SP) can be used as a workspace to perform fastening and loosening operations of the plug-in fastening structure (T) using a fastening tool (D).

As shown in FIG. 13, each frame fastening portion (Ab) extends from each corresponding side frame (12A) diagonally toward the inside rear side in the seat width direction. Each frame fastening portion (Ab) has an overlapping surface (upper surface) on which the corresponding support member (22C) is overlapped. The surface perpendicular direction of the overlapping surface faces the opening (SP). According to the above configuration, each frame fastening portion (Ab) is provided in a direction that allows the plug-in type fastening structure (T) to be inserted obliquely from the opening (SP). Therefore, even if there is a configuration with restrictions that make it difficult to drop the fastening tool (D) between the seat frames (10) due to reasons such as the support spring (15) that supports the cushion body (20) being provided between the seat frames (10), each top panel side (22) can be easily attached and detached.

As shown in FIG. 11, each support member (22C) further has an engagement claw (C22). The engagement claw (C22) is inserted into an engagement hole (Ah) formed in the corresponding side frame (12A) and slid. This causes the engagement claw (C22) to hook onto the edge of the engagement hole (Ah). In this state, each support member (22C) is fastened to each frame fastening portion (Ab) by each plug-in type fastening structure (T).

With the above configuration, the top panel side (22) is assembled to the seat frame (10) by hooking the engaging claws (C22) by sliding and fastening them with the plug-in fastening structure (T). Compared to a snap-fit assembly configuration that involves elastic deformation, this assembly allows each top panel side (22) to be assembled to each side frame (12A) easily and with appropriate assembly strength. It can also be easily removed.

As shown in FIG. 13, the tool engagement portion (T1h) of each plug-in type fastening structure (T) has the head (T1h) of the bolt (T1). The head (T1h) is disposed on the side of each plug-in type fastening structure (T) that is closest to the opening (SP). With the above configuration, the shaft portion of the bolt (T1) does not face the opening (SP). Therefore, the bolt (T1) provided in the cushion body (20) is unlikely to be felt as a foreign object.

As shown in FIG. 9, the top plate main (21) has an engaging claw portion (C12). The engaging claw portion (C12) is detachably snap-fitted into the base portion (C25) that is integral with the seat frame (10) by being pushed in from the seat front side. The top plate main (21) abuts against the seat frame (10) from the seat front side, and the engaging claw portion (C12) engages with the seat frame (10). That is, the top plate main (21) is detachably assembled to the seat frame (10) in only two states. With the above configuration, the top plate main (21) can be easily attached and detached to the seat frame (10).

The assembly method for assembling the seat (1) involves overlapping each of the top side panels (22) with their corresponding support members (22C) on each of the frame fastening parts (Ab). Each top side panel (22) is assembled to the seat frame (10) by fastening each plug-in type fastening structure (T) (top side assembly process). Next, the main top panel (21) is assembled to the seat frame (10) (top main assembly process). With the above configuration, the top side assembly process is performed before the main top panel assembly process. This makes the opening (SP), which is the installation space for the main top panel (21), a workspace. Using this workspace, each top side panel (22) can be easily assembled to the seat frame (10).

Other embodiments
Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiment.

The seat of the present disclosure may be installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as trains. Alternatively, the seat may be installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as aircraft and ships. The configuration of the present disclosure may be applied to a seat cushion as described above, or may be applied to a seat back.

The support members provided on each side of the tabletop may be made of resin or metal. Furthermore, one or more support members may be provided for each side frame of the seat frame. The support members may be configured to be fastened by inserting clips or fastening with screws.

The support member may have a plug-in type fastening structure consisting of a combination of bolts and nuts. In this case, the bolt may be welded to the frame fastening portion of each side frame. The nut may then be fastened to the shank of the bolt using a fastening tool. Neither the bolt nor the nut need to be welded to the frame fastening portion of each side frame. The bolt and nut may each be fastened to each side frame during assembly.

The frame fastening portion (Ab) shown in FIG. 11 is a separate part from the other parts of each side frame. For example, the frame fastening portion is fixed integrally to the other parts of the side frame by welding or bolting. Alternatively, the frame fastening portion may be made of the same part as the other parts of the side frame. The frame fastening portion shown in FIG. 11 extends from each side frame diagonally toward the inside rear side in the seat width direction. Alternatively, the frame fastening portion may extend straight from each side frame to the rear side of the seat, may extend straight toward the inside in the seat width direction, or may extend in a bent shape that is a combination of these.

The mating claw portion C12 shown in FIG. 9 is snap-fitted into the mating portion C25 (base member) of the top panel side 22. The base member may be the seat frame itself or another member provided on the seat frame. The top panel main cover and top panel side cover may each be made of fabric or leather.

Claims

A sheet,
Seat frame and
a cushion body supported by the seat frame from the rear side and elastically supporting a seat occupant;
The cushion body is composed of three divided elements, a main top plate forming a central portion in the seat width direction and each side top plate forming both side portions in the seat width direction,
Each of the tabletop sides has a tabletop side pad and a support member disposed on a rear surface of the tabletop side pad and fixed to the seat frame;
The seat frame includes side frames supporting the respective top panel sides from a rear side of the seat, and frame fastening portions integral with the respective side frames,
Each of the support members is overlapped with each of the frame fastening portions, and each of the support members is fastened to each of the frame fastening portions via a plug-in type fastening structure,
The top plate main is detachably attached to the seat frame by snap-fit engagement,
When the main top plate is removed from the seat frame, an opening is created which is the installation space for the main top plate, and the tool engagement portions of each of the plug-in type fastening structures are exposed in the opening.
The sheet according to claim 1,
Each of the frame fastening portions extends from the corresponding side frame obliquely toward the inner rear side in the seat width direction,
A sheet in which each of the frame fastening portions has an overlapping surface on which the corresponding support member is overlapped, and the perpendicular direction of the overlapping surface faces the opening.
The sheet according to claim 1 or 2,
An engagement hole is formed in each of the side frames,
Each of the support members further has an engagement claw, and the engagement claw is inserted into the engagement hole and slid to hook the seat onto the side frame.
The sheet according to claim 1 or 2,
The tool engagement portion has a head portion of a bolt,
The head portion is a seat that is disposed on the side of each of the plug-in fastening structures that is closest to the opening.
The sheet according to claim 1 or 2,
A base portion is provided which is integral with the seat frame,
The top plate main has an engaging claw portion, and the engaging claw portion is snap-fitted to the base portion so as to be detachable by being pressed against the base portion from the front side of the sheet.
A method for assembling the seat according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of:
The support members on each of the tabletop sides are overlapped with the corresponding frame fastening portions,
Each of the top panel sides is assembled to the seat frame by fastening each of the plug-in fastening structures;
The seat assembling method includes assembling the top panel main to the seat frame after assembling the top panel side.